North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) continues to be the central hub of the German furniture industry. According to statistical evaluations by the German furniture associations, nearly 40 percent of the sector's total revenue (from businesses with 20 or more employees) was generated in NRW last year – a figure that has remained stable. One-third of all employees in the industry work in the state. However, the 288 furniture manufacturers based in NRW, like the industry as a whole, faced a challenging market environment. Due to consumers' reluctance to spend, turnover declined by 7 percent to just under €7.3 billion.
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The region of East Westphalia-Lippe stands out as a particularly strong cluster within the furniture industry, with a distinct focus on kitchen furniture production. Last year, the 28 kitchen furniture manufacturers based in the region, employing approximately 10,000 people, achieved a turnover of around €3.6 billion – a decrease of 6.4 percent. Nevertheless, the region once again accounted for almost two-thirds of the total national turnover in the kitchen furniture segment.
'These figures highlight the significant economic role that the furniture industry – and especially the kitchen furniture segment – plays in shaping the economic structure of North Rhine-Westphalia and East Westphalia-Lippe,' said Jan Kurth, Managing Director of the Association of the German Furniture Industry. He emphasised the need for political action to improve structural conditions, urging the government to deliver on its promises to reduce bureaucracy and stimulate the construction of new housing.
More information:
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